As we enter another new year, it is a good time to consider how we think about the future. Even if you are normally optimistic, getting caught up in daily challenges and seeing the world through negativism and pessimism is easy. Build your level of optimism in this week’s blog.

During this pandemic, we have all been subjected to a higher level of boredom. Often boredom is associated with consuming higher quantities of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins (Moynihan et al., 2015). So, what can we do about it?

Last night I got a text from a friend that started with, “I’m so bored!”. I understood why she might feel that way. Many of the things we do to make our lives interesting and satisfying have changed or stopped. In reflecting on her text, I have to admit, I feel bored even though I have more than enough to do. So why do I feel this way? That prompted me to review recent research on this topic.